Mount to Safely Secure a Cutter of an Automatic Activation Device

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods to cut a closing loop to deploy a parachute. The system includes a cutter with a body with a cutter opening that extends through the body and a blade that is movable across the cutter opening. Processing circuitry is configured to signal the cutter to move the blade across the cutter opening. A mount includes a base, a retainer with a channel sized to receive the cutter, and a mount opening that extends through the mount and across the channel. The cutter is configured to fit within the channel with the cutter opening aligned with the mount opening to form a through-opening such that the closing loop extends through the cutter and the mount.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/315,849 filed May 10, 2021, the disclosure ofwhich is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety as if madepart of the present application.

BACKGROUND

Basic skydiving equipment includes both a main parachute and a reserveparachute. The parachutes are positioned in one or more containers thatare worn by the skydiver. In the event of an emergency in which the mainparachute does not deploy or fails to adequately stop the fall, thereserve parachute is deployed to ensure a safe landing.

An automatic activation device (AAD) can be used to deploy theparachute. The AAD is normally used to deploy a reserve parachute butcan be used to also deploy the main parachute. The AAD is configured toopen the container and deploy the parachute at a preset altitude if thedescent rate exceeds a predetermined speed.

FIG. 1 illustrates an AAD 100 that includes a computer 101, a controlunit 102 to activate and monitor the jump, and a cutter 103. The cutter103 includes a body 104 that has an elongated shape that extends betweena first end 106 and a second end 107. A blade 108 is positioned withinthe body 104. An opening 105 extends through the body 104 in proximityto the first end 106. The cutter 103 receives a signal from the computer101 to move the blade 108 within the body 104 and cut a closing loopthat holds the parachute in its container thus deploying the parachute.

An issue with current designs is that a user preparing the parachute maywrap the closing loop around the cutter body. This can include the userthreading the closing loop through the cutter and wrapping the closingloop around the cutter body as well as just wrapping the closing looparound the cutter body (without threading through the cutter). When thisoccurs, the closing loop may remain attached to the cutter body thuspreventing the container from opening and the parachute deploying.

A system is needed that prevents the closing loop from being incorrectlyattached to the cutter. This provides for the closing loop to releasethus opening the container and allowing for the parachute to deploy.

SUMMARY

One aspect is directed to a system to cut a closing loop to deploy aparachute. The system comprises a cutter with a body with a cutteropening that extends through the body and a blade that is movable acrossthe cutter opening. Processing circuitry is configured to signal thecutter to move the blade across the cutter opening. A mount comprises aretainer with a channel sized to receive the cutter, and a mount openingthat extends through the mount and across the channel. The cutter isconfigured to fit within the channel with the cutter opening alignedwith the mount opening to form a through-opening such that the closingloop extends through the cutter and the mount.

In another aspect, the retainer comprises an enlarged base that extendsoutward beyond at least one side of the retainer.

In another aspect, the retainer is continuous with the base without agap positioned between the retainer and the base.

In another aspect, the base and the retainer comprise a single, unitaryconstruction.

In another aspect, the base and the retainer are molded together withouta gap positioned between the base and the retainer.

In another aspect, the base has a greater width and a greater lengththan the retainer.

In another aspect, the retainer comprises an open first end that is incommunication with the interior retainer and a closed second end.

In another aspect, the open first end of the retainer is aligned with anouter edge of the base.

One aspect is directed to a system to cut a closing loop to deploy aparachute. The system comprises an automatic activation devicecomprising a computer with processing circuitry, a control unit, and acutter with a body having a cutter opening and a blade positioned in thebody. A mount is configured to position the cutter and comprises a baseand a retainer that extends from the base and comprises an enclosedchannel that extends along a first axis of the retainer and a retaineropening aligned along a second axis that extends across the first axis.The retainer is sized to receive the cutter with the cutter openingaligned with the second axis when the cutter is positioned in theretainer to form a through-opening for the line to extend through thecutter and the mount.

In another aspect, the retainer abuts against the base without gapspositioned between the retainer and the base.

In another aspect, the retainer comprises a first open end that leadsinto the enclosed channel and an opposing closed second end.

In another aspect, the mount comprises a single, unitary construction.

In another aspect, the retainer opening comprises first and secondopenings through the mount on opposing sides of the channel with each ofthe first and second openings aligned along the second axis.

In another aspect, the first axis is perpendicular to the second axis.

In another aspect, the retainer is positioned on a first side of thebase and an opposing second side of the base is flat.

One aspect is directed to a method of rigging a system to deploy aparachute that is secured within a container by a closing line. Themethod comprises: inserting a cutter into a retainer of a mount;aligning a cutter opening that extends through the cutter with anopening in the mount; and threading the closing loop through the cutteropening and the opening in the mount such that a first portion of theclosing loop and the container are positioned on a first side of themount and a second portion of the closing loop is positioned on anopposing second side of the mount.

In another aspect, the method further comprises completely inserting abody of the cutter into the retainer.

In another aspect, the method further comprises securing the secondportion of the closing loop on the second side of the mount andpreventing the closing loop from being pulled out of the cutter opening.

In another aspect, the method further comprises preventing the closingloop from wrapping around an exterior of the retainer.

In another aspect, the method further comprises frictionally securingthe cutter in the retainer and preventing the cutter from rotatingwithin the retainer.

The various aspects of the various embodiments may be used alone or inany combination, as is desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art automatic activation device.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an optimization system that includes amount that houses a cutter.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a closing loop of a parachute extendingthrough aligned openings of a cutter that is positioned in a retainer ofa mount.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a mount.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a mount.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a mount.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of a mount.

FIG. 8 is a section view of a mount taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a top view of a mount with a cutter positioned within aretainer.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart diagram of a method of using an optimizing systemfor deploying a parachute.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of a computer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present application is directed to a system to cut a closing loopthat maintains a parachute container in a closed position. Asillustrated in FIG. 2 , the system 10 includes a mount 20, a cutter 103sized to be inserted into the mount 20, a control unit 102, and acomputer 101. The mount 20 includes an opening 33 that aligns with theopening 105 in the cutter. The aligned openings 33, 105 receive aclosing loop of a container that contains the parachute. Cutting theclosing loop allows for the container to open and for the parachute todeploy.

FIG. 3 schematically illustrates the cutter 103 inserted into a retainer30 of the mount 20. The cutter 103 is positioned in the retainer 30 withthe opening 105 of the cutter 103 aligned with the opening 33 in themount 20. A closing loop 110 extends through the aligned openings 33,105. The closing loop 110 is secured to prevent being pulled backthrough the openings 33, 105 to maintain a container 115 that holds aparachute 120 in a closed position. Activation of the cutter 103 moves ablade 103 and cuts the closing loop 110 thus providing for the container115 to open and to allow the parachute 120 to deploy.

The mount 20 includes the retainer 30 with an opening 33 that receivesthe closing loop 110. In one example, the mount 20 also includes a basethat is attached to the retainer 30. In another example as illustratedin FIG. 3 , the retainer 30 does not include a base.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate an example of a mount 20 that holds the cutter 103.The mount 20 includes a base 21 and retainer 30. The base 21 includes afirst side 24 on which the retainer 30 is positioned, and an opposingsecond side 25. The first and second sides 24, 25 are substantiallyflat. The base 21 has an enlarged shape with a length L that extendsbetween a first end 26 and a second end 27, and a width W that extendsbetween opposing lateral sides 28, 29. The base 21 can include a varietyof different shapes. In one example as illustrated, the first end 26 isstraight which facilitates positioning the mount 20 at a desiredlocation relative to the container 115.

The retainer 30 is positioned on the first side 24 of the base 21. Theretainer 30 includes a first end 31 and an opposing second end 32. Inone example as illustrated, the retainer 30 includes a smaller lengththan the base 21. The second end 32 is positioned inward from the secondend 27 of the base 21. Further, the second end 32 includes a roundedshape. These features prevent the closing loop 110 from being wrapped onthe retainer 30 which could prevent the container 115 from opening whenthe cutter 103 is activated.

The retainer 30 includes an interior channel 34 sized to receive andposition the cutter 103. The first end 31 of the channel 34 is open toprovide for insertion of the cutter 103. The second end 32 of thechannel 34 is closed to prevent over-insertion of the cutter 103 intothe retainer 30. The second end 32 also provides for aligning theopening 105 in the cutter 103 with the opening 33 in the retainer 30. Inone example, a distance between the second end 32 of the channel 34 andthe opening 33 is equal to a distance on the cutter between the firstend 106 and the cutter opening 105.

In one example as illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 , the first end 31 of thechannel 34 is aligned with the first side 24 of the base 21. In anotherexample, the first end 31 of the channel 34 is positioned inward fromthe first end 31. In another example, the retainer 30 extends outwardbeyond the base 21 and the first end 31 is positioned outward from thefirst side 24 of the base 21.

The channel 34 is sized to receive the cutter 103. In one example, thechannel 34 is sized for the cutter 103 to be inserted into the first end31 and moved along the length of the retainer 30 to align the opening105 of the cutter with the opening 33 of the retainer 30. The relativesizes of the channel 34 and the cutter 103 provide for a friction fit toprevent inadvertent movement of the cutter relative to the retainer 30after insertion and placement. This relative sizing provides for opening105 of the cutter 103 to remain aligned with the opening 33 of theretainer 30.

FIG. 8 illustrates a section view of the channel 34 that extends throughthe retainer 30. The channel 34 includes the first end 31 that is openand the second end 32 that is closed. The channel 34 includes a firstaxis A that extends the length between the first and second ends 31, 32.The opening 33 extends through the retainer 30 and base 21. The opening33 is formed by a first opening 33 a in a wall 35 of the retainer 30 anda second opening 33 b in the base 21. The openings 33 a. 33 b arealigned on opposing sides of the channel 34. The opening 33 includes asecond axis B that is aligned transverse to the first axis A. In oneexample, the second axis B is perpendicular to the first axis A. Inanother example, the second axis B is non-perpendicular.

In one example, the channel 34 is enclosed within the mount 20. In oneexample, the retainer 30 includes a wall that extends completely aroundthe channel 34. In another example as illustrated in FIG. 8 , thechannel 34 is enclosed by the wall 35 of the retainer 30 and the base21. In one example as illustrated in FIGS. 4-8 , the only opening in thechannel 34 along the length is opening 33 with a remainder of thechannel 34 being completely enclosed. In another example, one or morewindows are formed in the mount 20 along the length of the channel 34and are in communication with the channel 34.

The retainer 30 is mounted to the base 21 in a continuous manner suchthat there is no gap between the retainer 30 and the base 21. The lackof a gap prevents a user from positioning the closing loop 110underneath the retainer 30 and away from the cutter 103. This forces theuser to thread the closing loop 110 through the aligned openings 33, 105to allow the cutter 103 to cut the closing loop 110 when activated.

The retainer 30 is fixedly positioned on the base 21. In one example,the base 21 and retainer 30 have a single, unitary construction. In oneexample, the mount is formed of a molded material with the base 21 andretainer 30 formed as a single continuous piece with a unitaryconstruction. In another example, the base 21 is formed by a separateplate 21 that is embedded within an outer material that also forms theretainer 30. In another example, the base 21 and retainer 30 areseparate members that are attached together with one or more mechanicalfasteners such as but not limited to screws, bolts, and rivets. Inanother example, the separate base 21 and retainer 30 are attachedtogether with adhesive. In the various examples, the retainer 30 ispositioned on the base 21 without an intermediate gap.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4-6 , the second end 32 of the retainer 32includes a rounded shape. The transition between the retainer 30 and thebase 21 can also have a rounded shape along the length of the retainer30. These rounded shapes help to prevent the closing loop 110 from beingsecured to the retainer 30 in a manner that bypasses the opening 33. Therounded shapes provide no place for the closing loop 110 to be securedto the retainer in a manner that would keep the container 115 in aclosed position.

The size of the base 21 relative to the retainer 30 can vary. In oneexample as illustrated in FIGS. 4-7 , the base 21 has a greater length Land a greater width W. FIG. 9 illustrates another example in which thebase 21 and the retainer 30 are closer in size with the width W andlength L of the base 21 each being slightly larger than the dimensionsof the retainer 30. In another example, one or both of lengths andwidths of the base 21 and retainer are equal. The larger base 21 preventor reduces the likelihood that the closing loop 115 can be wrappedaround the mount 20 to bypass the opening 33 and cutter 103.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example of a method of ridging the system 10 forcutting the closing loop 110. The cutter 103 is inserted into theretainer 30 in the mount 20 (block 200). In one example, this includesinserting the leading end 106 into the first end 31 of the channel 34and then inserting the cutter 103 farther into the channel 34. In oneexample, this includes applying a force to the trailing end 107 of thecutter 103 and forcing the cutter 103 into and along the channel 34.

The method includes aligning the cutter opening 105 that extends throughthe cutter 103 with an opening 33 in the retainer 30 (block 202). Oncethe openings 33, 105 are aligned, the method includes threading aclosing loop 110 through the cutter opening 105 and the opening 33 ofthe retainer 30 (block 204). The closing loop 110 extends through thealigned openings 33, 105 with a portion of the closing loop 110 thatextends from the container 115 on a first side of the mount 20 and asecond portion of the closing loop 110 positioned on an opposing secondside of the mount 20. The second portion is secured to prevent theclosing loop 110 from being inadvertently pulled out of the opening 105.In one example, the second portion is knotted and/or tied to a member tobe larger than the opening 105 to prevent inadvertently being pulledthrough the opening 105.

In one example, the trailing end 107 of the cutter 103 remains extendedoutward beyond the first end 31 of the channel 34. In another example,the cutter 103 is fully inserted into the channel 34 with the trailingend 107 of the cutter 103 inward from the first end 31.

In one example, the control unit 102 and the cutter 103 arecommunicatively connected to the computer 101 by cables 70. In anotherexample, one or both of the control unit 102 and the cutter 103 arewirelessly connected to the computer 101.

FIG. 11 illustrates a computer 101 that is used with the AAD. Thecomputer 101 includes control circuitry 130 and memory circuit 131. Thecontrol circuitry 130 controls the overall operation according toprogram instructions stored in the memory circuitry 131. The controlcircuitry 130 can include one or more circuits, microcontrollers,microprocessors, hardware, or a combination thereof. Memory circuitry131 includes a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storingprogram instructions, such as a computer program product, thatconfigures the control circuitry 130 to implement one or more of thetechniques discussed herein. Memory circuitry 131 can include variousmemory devices such as, for example, read-only memory, and flash memory.

Communications circuitry 132 provides for communications with thecontrol unit 102 and cutter 103. The communications circuit 132 caninclude one or more interfaces that provide for different methods ofcommunication. In one example, the communications circuitry 132 providesfor wired communications. In another example, communications circuitry132 provide for wireless communications.

One or more sensors 133 detect environmental aspects. One example of asensor 133 is an air pressure sensor that detects the pressure of theair during a jump. Another sensor 133 can detect a velocity. Anotherexample includes an orientation sensor. The computer 101 can alsoinclude a clock 134.

In one example, the computer 101 is configured to activate the cutter103 at a preset altitude if the descent rate exceeds a preset speed. Inanother example, the computer 101 is configured to activate the cutteris the descent rate exceeds a preset speed after a preset time.

The mount 20 can be used with a variety of different AADs 100. Examplesinclude but are not limited to Model No. m² available from MarS a.s.,Model No. CYPRES2 available from Airtec GmbH & Co. KG Safety Systems,and Model No. Vigil from AAD nv/sa. Advanced Aerospace Designs.

In one example, the AAD 100 include both a control unit 102 and a cutter103. In another example, the AAD WO includes just the cutter 103.

In one example, the control unit 103 includes processing circuitry,memory circuitry, and communication circuitry. The control unit 103 isconfigured to communication with the computer 101 and receive inputsfrom a user through an input device (e.g., an input key). The controlunit 103 further includes a display to display information to the user.

The mount 20 can be used with a cutter 103 for cutting a closing loop110 that secures a container 115 that holds a main parachute 120. Themount 20 can also be used with a cutter 103 for cutting a closing loop110 that secures a container 115 that holds a reserve parachute 120.

Spatially relative terms such as “under”, “below”, “lower”, “over”,“upper”, and the like, are used for ease of description to explain thepositioning of one element relative to a second element. These terms areintended to encompass different orientations of the device in additionto different orientations than those depicted in the figures. Further,terms such as “first”, “second”, and the like, are also used to describevarious elements, regions, sections, etc. and are also not intended tobe limiting. Like terms refer to like elements throughout thedescription.

As used herein, the terms “having”, “containing”, “including”,“comprising” and the like are open ended terms that indicate thepresence of stated elements or features, but do not preclude additionalelements or features. The articles “a”, “an” and “the” are intended toinclude the plural as well as the singular, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise.

The present invention may be carried out in other specific ways thanthose herein set forth without departing from the scope and essentialcharacteristics of the invention. The present embodiments are,therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and notrestrictive.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device to mount a cutter that comprises a bodywith a cutter opening and a movable blade configured to cut a line todeploy a parachute, the device comprising: a body comprising a retainer;an interior space positioned within the retainer and being open toreceive the cutter, the interior space comprising a first end that isopen and a second end that is closed, the interior space sized tocompletely receive the body of the cutter; an opening that extendsthrough the body and is in communication with the interior space, theopening comprising a first opening on a first side of the body and asecond opening on a second side of the body with the first opening andthe second opening aligned on opposing sides of the interior space toalign with the cutter opening and to receive the line that extendsacross the interior space; and wherein the first end of the opening isaligned with an outer edge of the body.
 2. The device of claim 1,wherein the interior space has a first axis that extends between thefirst end and the second end and the opening comprises a second axisthat extends through the first opening and the second opening, whereinthe first axis is perpendicular to the second axis.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the opening is positioned along the interior space incloser proximity to the second end than to the first end.
 4. The deviceof claim 1, wherein the body further comprises a base that is connectedto the retainer, the base extends outward beyond lateral sides of theretainer and one end of the retainer.
 5. The device of claim 4, whereinthe base comprises a planar shape with a top side and a bottom side andwherein the retainer is positioned on the top side.
 6. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the body comprises a single, unitary construction andis a single continuous piece.
 7. A device to mount a cutter thatcomprises a cutter opening and a movable blade configured to cut a lineto deploy a parachute, the device comprising: a body comprising asingle, unitary construction; a channel that extends into a firstexterior side of the body, the channel comprising an open first end atthe first exterior side and a closed second end positioned within thebody, the body sized to receive the cutter; an opening that extendsthrough the body and through the channel, the opening spaced away fromthe first end and the second end of the channel and positioned to alignwith the cutter opening when the cutter is positioned in the channel;and wherein the first end of the opening is aligned with the firstexterior side of the body.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the bodycomprises a base that comprises a plate and a retainer that comprises anouter material that extends around the plate.
 9. The device of claim 8,wherein the plate comprises a width measured perpendicular to thechannel that is larger than the retainer.
 10. The device of claim 7,wherein the opening comprises a first opening on a second exterior sideof the body and a second opening on a third exterior side of the bodywith the first opening and the second opening aligned on opposing sidesof the channel to receive the line that extends across the channel. 11.The device of claim 10, wherein the opening is perpendicular to thechannel.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the channel has a straightshape.
 13. The device of claim 7, wherein the body comprises a firstedge with the open first end of the channel aligned at the first edge.14. A method of rigging a system to deploy a parachute that is securedwithin a container by a line, the method comprising: inserting a frontend of a cutter into an opening in a retainer; sliding the cutter intothe retainer and positioning the cutter completely within the retainerwith a back end of the cutter positioned inward from the opening of theretainer; aligning a cutter opening that extends through the cutter withan opening in the retainer; threading the line through the cutteropening and the opening in the retainer; and preventing the line frombeing pulled out of the cutter opening.
 15. The method of claim 14,further comprising inserting the line into the cutter opening from afirst side of the retainer and securing the line on the second side ofthe retainer.
 16. The method of claim 14, further comprising positioninga first portion of the line on a first side of the retainer and a secondportion of the line on the second side of the retainer.